RAN Deployment Engineer

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview  

The RAN Deployment Engineer is responsible for executing all deployment, installation, and integration activities required to enable stable satellite-to-mobile connectivity across India and within global delivery programs. This role supports gateway and cell-site builds, performs beam surveys, validates field installations, uploads configurations, and conducts probe-based integration checks to ensure RAN readiness for satellite network activation. 

The position works closely with regional engineering teams, the NOC, vendors, and global deployment groups to resolve technical blockers, uphold high integration quality, and support seamless service enablement. 

Operating at the intersection of field engineering and advanced satellite-RAN deployment, this role demands precision during installation, disciplined validation practices, and continuous coordination with cross-functional teams. The RAN Deployment Engineer must balance technical accuracy, operational urgency, and regulatory variations across India to ensure smooth and consistent readiness for global satellite network activation.

Key Responsibilities  

Field Deployment & Installation Activities  

• Deliver RAN deployment activities including cell-site builds, managing end-to-end field installation processes for satellite-RAN infrastructure 

• Execute installation checks and commissioning procedures to validate proper equipment mounting, cabling, power connections, and environmental controls 

• Validate CIQ inputs/outputs and CIQ-to-SCF generation to avoid deployment rework 

• Validate Cell site router to Core integration, transport readiness 

• Perform configuration uploads and software provisioning to ensure RAN equipment is properly configured according to deployment specifications 

• Perform and validate BPMS to eNB port mapping, transport, clocking, and interface readiness 

• Support Beam Go / No-Go readiness reviews and provide technical sign-off inputs 

• Own technical handover from Delivery to Service Acceptance, ensuring all acceptance criteria and artifacts are met 

• Enable stable satellite-mobile connectivity through systematic installation, integration, and validation of RAN components and interfaces 

Technical Validation & Testing  

• Perform probe validations and acceptance testing to verify RAN functionality, connectivity, and performance against established criteria 

• Conduct integration testing between satellite-RAN equipment and terrestrial network components to ensure seamless connectivity 

• Execute acceptance tasks including functional testing, performance validation, and documentation completion for site commissioning 

• Execute Acceptance checks with vendors for handover to Service Acceptance 

Coordination & Collaboration  

• Coordinate with regional engineering, NOC, vendors, and global deployment teams to align deployment activities with project schedules and technical requirements 

• Interface with network operations centres to ensure proper monitoring integration and operational readiness during deployment phases 

• Work with vendor teams to resolve equipment issues, on site hardware delivery, coordinate software updates, and ensure proper installation procedures 

• Collaborate with global deployment teams to maintain consistency in deployment standards and share lessons learned across regions 

Technical Issue Resolution & Quality Assurance  

• Resolve technical blockers encountered during deployment including equipment failures, configuration issues, and integration challenges 

• Troubleshoot complex technical problems affecting RAN performance, connectivity, or functionality during installation and commissioning 

• Ensure reliable RAN readiness supporting global satellite network activation through comprehensive validation and quality assurance processes 

• Document and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate technical teams while implementing temporary workarounds to maintain deployment schedules 

Qualifications  

Education  

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, or related technical field 

• Associate degree with relevant telecommunications experience accepted 

Experience  

• Minimum 4+ years in telecommunications field deployment, network installation, or wireless infrastructure commissioning 

• 2+ years hands-on experience with RAN deployment, cell site installation, or wireless network infrastructure and CIQ handling 

• Proven experience with field installation, testing, and commissioning of complex telecommunications equipment 

Required Technical Expertise  

• Strong understanding of RAN technologies, wireless communications principles, and telecommunications infrastructure 

• Knowledge of installation procedures for telecommunications equipment including Rack, eNodeB antennas, transceivers, GPS & CSR and network infrastructure 

• Familiarity with configuration management, software provisioning, and equipment commissioning processes 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience with satellite communications systems, satellite-RAN integration, or space-terrestrial network deployment 

• Background in field deployment roles at wireless carriers, equipment vendors, or telecommunications contractors 

• Knowledge of safety procedures and compliance requirements for telecommunications field work 

• Experience with network monitoring systems and performance validation tools 

• Familiarity with project coordination and deployment management practices 

Professional Skills  

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for complex technical issues in field environments 

• Excellent communication skills for coordination with multiple technical teams and stakeholders 

• Proven ability to work independently in field environments while maintaining safety and quality standards 

• Experience with technical documentation, test reporting, and deployment validation procedures 

Technology Proficiency  

• Proficiency with RF testing equipment including spectrum analysers, power meters 

• Experience with network configuration tools and equipment management systems 

• Familiarity with field measurement software and data collection tools used in wireless deployment 

• Knowledge of safety equipment and procedures required for telecommunications field work 

Skills & Competencies  

• Field Installation Expertise: Hands-on experience with telecommunications equipment installation, cabling, and commissioning procedures 

• RF Testing & Validation: Proficiency with RF measurement equipment and wireless network performance validation techniques 

• Technical Troubleshooting: Systematic approach to identifying and resolving complex technical issues in field environments 

• Safety Consciousness: Commitment to safety procedures and compliance with telecommunications industry safety standards 

• Documentation & Reporting: Clear technical writing and accurate documentation of deployment activities and test results 

• Team Coordination: Effective collaboration across multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries 

Cross-Functional Interfaces  

This role collaborates regularly with: 

• Internal: Regional Engineering Teams, Network Operations Center, RF Engineering, Field Operations, Quality Assurance, Program Management, Safety and Compliance 

• External: Equipment vendors, installation contractors, testing laboratories, site owners, local regulatory authorities 

Physical Requirements  

• Role will be based in United States with extensive travel for field deployment activities across multiple regions (~50%) 

• Ability to perform physical field work including equipment installation,  

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote deployment sites as required by project schedules 

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and extended shifts during critical deployment phases 

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands. 

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.